Del Mar is thrilled to welcome you back to summer’s ultimate outdoor event. There’s nothing quite like the beauty and excitement of a day at Del Mar, where the turf meets the surf.
Summer officially kicks off on Saturday, July 20th with Opening Day – a tradition that dates back to 1937 when Bing Crosby welcomed the first fans to Del Mar. As in years’ past, tickets for this summer’s Opener will sell out but there are plenty of days ahead to plan your time at the track. Thoroughbred racing runs Saturday and Sunday the first week, then Thursday through Sunday through September 1st – plus an added day of racing on Labor Day Monday before things wrap up for a final week, Thursday through Sunday, September 8th.
2024 will bring an expanded list of events and activities to Del Mar’s summer season. The schedule kicks off with the Del Mar Beer Fest on Sunday, July 21st, where those 21 and up can sample a wide variety of delicious tastings from over 50 brews, ciders and seltzers, as well as enjoy music and more in a special trackside cabana.
Beginning July 26th, every Friday will feature Happy Hour Fridays with half-off signature drinks at select locations throughout the track, along with an upgraded Turf Club Fridays, where you can purchase single-day access to the exclusive Del Mar experience. Tickets include one daily Turf Club admission, seat and program, two drinks and a premium appetizer buffet – all for $125.
To commemorate the Breeders’ Cup World Championships return to Del Mar in November 2024 and 2025, a free travel tumbler giveaway will take place on Saturday, August 17th, free with each paid admission while supplies last.
In August, Del Mar presents three fabulous food and drink events. On Saturday, August 3rd, the Uncorked Wine Festival features over 100 wines and champagnes, along with food trucks and music. Tacos & Tequilas follows on Saturday, August 10th and pairs San Diego’s best taco shops with specialty tequilas, margaritas and cervezas. Uncorked and Tacos & Tequilas are ages 21 and up. On Saturday, August 24th, Taste of New Orleans will bring Cajun food, drinks and music together for an epic celebration of New Orleans culture.
To cap off the month, Del Mar’s signature event – the $1,000,000 FanDuel Racing Pacific Classic – will be the grand highlight of the summer racing season. The mile and one-quarter Classic runs for the 34th time on Saturday, August 31st. And Pacific Classic day will showcase a racing card featuring five graded stakes races:
All told, Del Mar will offer 39 major stakes for over $7.8 million in purses, making it one of the strongest stakes schedules in the track’s history.
The race to summer starts now and there’s no better place to celebrate. So, gather your friends, make your plans and come out often to enjoy the season, Del Mar-style.
July 20 – September 8
Photography by: